LAS VEGAS, NV -November 15, 2018- The 2018 International Fastener Expo (IFE) featured nearly 100,000 net sq.ft. of fastener, machinery, and tooling products and services and hosted 5,000 enthusiastic attendees, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Owned and operated by Emerald Expositions, early testimonials reveal IFE 2018 produced a top attendee experience with a newly-comprehensive and robust conference schedule and new convenient location on the Las Vegas strip.

“It was very clear that Emerald Expositions has been careful to retain all the strengths and heritage of the biggest North American fastener trade show, while introducing generally well-thought-through enhancements, not least in presentation and promotion,” said Phil Matten, director, British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors (BIAFD). “The off-show floor conference program was full of content and the Sessions Corner brought interesting presentations to the heart of the show floor.”

IFE 2018 introduced an extra day of conference sessions and special events, giving attendees more time than ever to meet with potentially profitable partners, learn current best practices for a successful business, and network with the top representatives in the fastener industry.

“IFE provides us a tremendous opportunity to meet with many of our vendor partners in a short period of time. We look forward to the show each year,” said an executive from Optimas OE Solutions.

This year’s conference provided 17 educational sessions, including two favorites – “PROP 65: It’s Not About Labels and It’s Not About Chemicals – It’s About Not Getting Sued,” presented by Carmen Vertullo and Rob LaPointe, AIM Testing Laboratory; and “U.S. Tariffs and Trade Policies – What to Expect in 2019,” presented by Vanessa Sciarra, vice president for legal affairs and trade and investment policy, National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC).

“PROP 65” attracted an at seating capacity crowd of engaged onlookers who received technical and legal resources surrounding California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. Sciarra presented the latest developments on how the current trade policy will affect fastener industry businesses to a standing-room only group of more than 150 attendees.

Those in attendance of “U.S. Tariffs and Trade Policies” had the opportunity to ask Sciarra questions surrounding Section 301 and 232 as it relates to their business, tips on processing exclusions, the Trade War with China, NAFTA renegotiations, as well as the most controversial issues involving automobile rules of origin and the goal of the administration to bring auto and parts manufacturers back to the U.S. from Mexico. Video of Sciarra’s presentation will be available for purchase at a later date.

“Our attendees look to IFE, not only as a leader in connecting suppliers and distributors, but also a place where they get face-to-face customized education on topics directly related to and affecting their businesses,” said Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president, Emerald Expositions. “Giving our customers access to high level government officials, like Vanessa Sciarra, is only one example of how we ensure that they are fully prepared for anything that comes up in the fastener industry.”

“IFE in Las Vegas – great venue and so many different suppliers to meet and network,” said Steven Foster, manager, Karma Automotive, LLC. “No better way to learn who is out there and the amazing capabilities all of these folks have.”

More than open bar capacity showed up to mix and mingle at both popular night time networking events – the official kick-off Welcome Party at the Daylight Beach Club and the ‘Nightcap’ at the Eyecandy Sound Lounge.

“The industry asked and we answered. The International Fastener Expo will always be a place to handle business, but also enjoy your time in Las Vegas with your peers and new friends,” said Sprouse.

Other highlights included “European Fastener Distribution: Current Climate and Challenges in the Industry,” presented by Volker Lederer, president, European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) on the European fastener market, and the exclusive Vegas Fastener Manufacturing open house and factory tour.

“IFE continues to be an excellent venue in which to identify new opportunities and strengthen relationships. Thank you for another successful year,” said a representative from Fastenal.

“This was our first time exhibiting at IFE after a few of our customers attending recommended the show,” said Samantha Hubay, marketing account strategist, World Synergy. “The show exceeded our expectations as we were able to meet our sales goals. IFE delivered quality attendees that we were able to connect with and follow up with following the show. Overall, we made the right decision in exhibiting at IFE, and it was great to be a part of such a tight-knit industry.”

About International Fastener Expo
The International Fastener Expo (IFE) is the largest and most diverse gathering of fastener and industrial professionals in North America. Founded in 1981 it serves all reaches of the supply chain, from manufacturer to distributor to end user, and features nearly 70 product categories. With over 850 suppliers and more than 5,000 attendees from 30+ nations, the International Fastener Expo delivers industry‐leading content and facilitates vital industry connections at their annual three‐day show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the entertainment and trade show capital of North America.

About Emerald Expositions
International Fastener Expo is owned and operated by Emerald Expositions, a leading operator of business‐to‐business trade shows in the United States. The company currently operates more than 55 trade shows, as well as numerous other face‐to‐face events. In 2017, Emerald’s events connected over 500,000 global attendees and exhibitors and occupied more than 6.9 million NSF of exhibition space. We have been recognized with many awards and accolades that reflect our industry leadership as well as the importance of our shows to the exhibitors and attendees we serve.